Meaningless deliberation

The Himalayan Times

25 June 2014

Meaningless deliberation

The debate on forms of governance continues in the Constituent Assembly with the participation of lawmakers representing different political parties “Forms of governance debate continues in CA” (THT, 19 June, Page 5). I still find it difficult to understand why the debate on this issue was necessary when the country was smoothly moving ahead after the restoration of multiparty democracy in 2046/47 Andolan. The same leaders of the major political parties had claimed that the then promulgated constitution was the best among the constitution of other countries.

They were the ones to run the country in their own ways. There was nothing wrong with the constitution. They make the mockery of the constitution by not properly abiding by it. As a result, the Maoists insurgency came into existence with a new political agenda taking the opportunity of bad governance of the then political parties.

Even if they change the form of governance and put in place, it does not mean that the political stability prevails in the country unless the political leaders themselves bring changes in their personal and political attitudes. In this 21 century, the political parties are still deliberating about the federal structure and forms of governance of the country as if this is newly liberated country.

They should have wisely agreed to further strengthen the then decentralization and local self-help governance acts that were scientifically put in place based on the geographical and administrative structure of the country and implement them with sincerity and full commitment rather than wasting valuable time on the discussion of federalism and forms of governance. However, let us cross our finger this time with the hope that the senior leaders of major political parties will timely realize their past blunders and act responsibly.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj, Kathmandu